Lakers vs. Mavericks live score, updates, highlights from Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas

By | April 9, 2025
0 Comment

Luka Doncic returns to Dallas for the first time on Wednesday since his stunning deadline trade as the Mavericks host the Lakers at American Airlines Center. 

Doncic immediately became a fan favorite in Dallas after he was acquired by the team on draft day in 2018 and established himself as the franchise cornerstone, the first for the Mavericks since fellow European sharp-shooter Dirk Nowitzki. Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals last year — their first appearance since 2011 — nearly averaging a triple-double in the playoffs.

All of that came crashing down on the night of Feb. 1 when the Mavericks dealt Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick. Rumors have swirled in the days since about why Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison made the shocking move. Almost everything, from Doncic’s conditioning to ownership wanting to relocate, has been tossed around.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

One thing is for certain, however: Mavericks fans were furious with the move. There were protests and vigils held outside American Airlines Center on the morning of the trade, and “fire Nico” chants have been ringing inside the arena ever since.

Now, with Dallas fighting for a spot in the NBA’s Play-In Tournament, Doncic is back as a member of the Lakers. There are sure to be some mixed emotions (and presumably a tribute video) as the biggest game on the NBA calendar this week unfolds.

The Sporting News is tracking the live score updates, highlights, and Doncic’s stats in his return to Dallas, the place where he spent the first six and a half seasons of his NBA career.

STREAM: Watch Lakers vs. Mavericks live with Sling

Lakers vs. Mavericks live score

SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Luka Doncic stats today

  • Minutes: 19
  • Points: 31
  • Rebounds: 3
  • Assists: 3
  • Steals: 3
  • Blocks: 0
  • Turnovers: 2
  • FGs: 11-16
  • 3Ps: 6-8

Lakers vs. Mavericks highlights from Luka Doncic return

9:04 p.m. — Doncic throws a behind-the-back bounce pass to Rui Hachimura, who drains a wide open three. The Lakers have gotten out to a nine point lead, their largest of the game, early in the third quarter. 

Halftime: Lakers 60, Mavericks 57

8:40 p.m. — Doncic closes the quarter with a 25-foot step back three. He is absolutely on fire with a game-high 31 points heading into halftime.

8:32 p.m. — Doncic makes his fifth three pointer to get to 25 points with three minutes to go in the second quarter. We might be in for some Luka magic tonight.

8:25 p.m. — Doncic checks back in and drives to the cup for layups on consecutive possessions. The game is all tied at 40 heading into a timeout.

8:20 p.m. — With Doncic on the bench to start the second quarter, James is showing he’s pretty good, too.

End of first quarter: Mavericks 30, Lakers 26

8:11 p.m. — The Mavericks force two turnovers and score off both of them at the end of the first quarter. Dallas has a lot to play for tonight, as they can secure a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament with a win.

8:02 p.m. — Doncic nails another three, making him 3-4 from beyond the arc. He’s up to 14 points near the end of the first quarter.

8:00 p.m. — After the timeout, Doncic hits a silky-smooth-step-back three over Anthony Davis, the player he was traded for.

7:55 p.m. — The Mavericks lead 19-17 at the first media timeout, with the two teams trading blows. Doncic has a game-high seven points early on and knocked down his first three-point attempt. 

7:51 p.m. — “Fire Nico” chants have started at American Airlines Center.

7:47 p.m. — Doncic gets huge cheers as he makes his first bucket.

7:45 p.m. — LeBron James hits two free throws and we are underway in this game.

Pregame

7:37 p.m. — Doncic is crying as the Mavericks play a tribute video for him, an emotional moment as he’s introduced tonight.

7:25 p.m. — Tip off is coming in about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Doncic drained a half-court shot in warmups, making the Lakers ball boys do pushups.

6:59 p.m. — The fans truly loved Doncic with the Mavericks.

6:56 p.m. —Kidd compared the Doncic trade to the Red Sox dealing Babe Ruth. The former might become more infamous than the latter, depending on how Doncic’s career with the Lakers goes.

6:50 p.m. — Doncic steps onto the AAC court in purple and gold, a surreal sight.

6:47 p.m. — Maverick’s general manager Nico Harrison has arrived.

6:45 p.m. — Doncic’s father and agent are also in the building.

6:42 p.m. — Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke on Doncic’s return ahead of tonight’s game.

6:40 p.m. — Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is in the building tonight. There has been no Nico Harrison sighting, yet.

6:37 p.m. — Mavericks fans are signing a poster for Luka outside the arena. A touching gesture.

6:35 p.m. — The Mavericks had some signage ready for Doncic as he walked to the Lakers’ locker room.

6:30 p.m. — There was plenty of love lost for Mavericks fans though, as a “Fire Nico” mural was painted in the city just hours before the game.

6:28 p.m. — Doncic is featured in a new Gatorade commercial that hints to how he feels heading into tonight’s game.

6:26 p.m. — Doncic’s second technical foul from last night’s game has been rescinded. 

6:25 p.m. — What will the reception be like for Doncic tonight? ESPN speculated earlier today that it would be both awkward and emotional

6:20 p.m. — Here’s Luka Doncic arriving at American Airlines Center for the first time as a member of the opposing team.

Lakers vs. Mavericks start time

  • Date: Wednesday, April 9
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 6:30 p.m. CT | 4:30 p.m. PT

Lakers vs. Mavericks is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local time) from American Airlines Arena on Wednesday, April 9. It is the first half of a doubleheader of games.

What channel is Lakers vs. Mavericks on?

  • TV channel: ESPN
  • Streaming: Sling

Lakers vs. Mavericks will be broadcast on ESPN. Cord cutters can watch the game on Sling.

Lakers schedule 2025

Here are the final two games on the Lakers’ regular season schedule:

Date Opponent Time (ET) TV Channel
April 11 vs. Rockets 10:30 p.m. NBA TV
April 13 @ Trail Blazers 3:30 p.m.  —

Mavericks schedule 2025

Here are the final two games on the Mavericks’ regular season schedule:

Date Opponent Time (ET) TV Channel
April 11 vs. Raptors 8:30 p.m.  —
April 13 @ Memphis 3:30 p.m.  —

Source